Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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255. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications processed by the Teaching Council in 2020 and to date in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35638/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the body with the statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State.

The Teaching Council registers teachers in line with the requirements set out in the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2016.

The Teaching Council inform me that the approximate number of new registration applications processed in 2020 was 5,530. To date, in 2021 the number of registration applications processed is approximately 2,055. These figures include applications from teachers who qualified abroad. It is anticipated that approximately 3,500 Newly Qualified Teachers registration applications will be finalised over the summer months.

The number of Professional Master of Education verification applications processed in 2020 was 874. 887 have been processed thus far in 2021.

The total number of vetting applications completed in 2020 was 22,173. This number is made up of 8,812 standard vets and 13,361 re-vets for registered teachers. The total number of vetting applications completed from 1 Jan 2021 to 30 Jun 2021 is 9,853. This number is made up of 4,253 standard vets and 5,600 re-vets for registered teachers.

The overall number of Droicheadapplications processed in 2020 was 3,117 and 3,449 in 2021.

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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256. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the average time elapsed between applications being submitted and the Teaching Council’s decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35639/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the body with the statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State.

The Teaching Council registers teachers in line with the requirements set out in the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2016.

The average processing time for applications for registration received from teachers who have qualified within Ireland is between 6-8 weeks from receipt of all application documentation.

The average processing time for applications for assessment and registration received from teachers who qualified outside of Ireland is 10 -12 weeks from receipt of all application documentation, which is in line with the EU Directive 2005/36/EU.

This information on timeframes is included on application forms and is also published on the Teaching Council’s website.

It is important to note that the registration/assessment process cannot commence until all required forms and supporting documentation have been submitted. Thus, applicants for registration are asked to ensure that all forms are fully completed and supporting documentation is submitted with their application as otherwise this leads to delays in processing.